Network systems and methods utilizing mobile devices to enhance consumer experience

ABSTRACT

Network systems and methods for utilizing mobile devices to enhance customer experiences are disclosed herein. A first aspect of the present invention facilitates a customer to acquire a membership to a membership program and subsequently access benefits of the membership program via a mobile device. Another aspect of the present invention facilitates a customer to redeem coupons for sales transactions via a mobile device. Yet another aspect of the present invention facilitates a customer to acquire a map including the location of requested items. Another aspect of the present invention facilitates a customer to search for an item and in response receive the availability and in some instances a map location of the requested item. Yet another aspect of the present invention facilitates a customer to pay for item using a remote charging method.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 11/874,660,filed Oct. 18, 2007 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,580,699, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to network systems and methodsand, more particularly, to network systems and methods for utilizingmobile devices to enhance customer experience.

BACKGROUND

Many businesses offer membership programs. Some membership programsoffer access to a store for the purchase of goods and services. This iscommon in membership warehouse stores. Other membership programs offerdiscounts on items for members. Yet other programs allow members toparticipate in incentive programs. Some membership programs are freewhile others require a one-time fee, a monthly fee, or a yearly fee.

Regardless of the type of membership program, a prospective member isoften required to fill out a membership application prior to receivingan identification card with the member's membership information. Themember can then pursue the benefits of the membership program.

Current membership programs rely on the identification cards asauthentication of a customer's member status and to grant the customeraccess to the store, store discounts, and other membership benefits.This is undesirable to the customer due to the inconvenience having tocarry the card. In the event the card is lost or stolen, there is littlethe customer can do to retrieve the card or at least prevent anotherperson from gaining access to the membership benefits granted by thecard. The store can issue another card but there is no trackinginformation associated with the member card as there is with a consumercredit card.

Many customers use written, typed, or mental lists as a reminder ofitems needed when going to a store. Electronic devices, such as PDAs andsmart phones, now offer word processing programs that facilitate thecreation of a shopping list. When the customer enters a store, it is thecustomer's responsibility to remember the list and find each item on thelist. Stores are typically designed such that the items are logicallyarranged; however, it is impossible to arrange the items to satisfy eachcustomer's needs.

Subtle changes, such as end cap changes, promotional rearrangements, andthe like, can be confusing to the customer in trying to find an itemthat has been moved due to one of these changes. Currently, there are nosystems that provide list and mapping functions on a mobile device inorder to better serve the customer in finding each item.

When a customer desires to purchase an item, the customer can use acheck-out terminal operated by a store associate or a self check-outterminal for performing the check-out functions. The customer is oftenprovided multiple payment options for purchasing the item includingcash, credit card, debit card, check, gift certificate, gift card,traveler's checks, or government credits. These methods all require thecustomer to carry cash on hand, checks, or a number of cards for thevarying payment methods.

The aforementioned art includes deficiencies that are overcome by thenew systems and novel methods disclosed herein. The applicant desires tocreate a need and market for these new systems and novel methods thatprovide the following functions on a mobile device: membership programfunctions; list functions; item in-store mapping functions; item searchfunctions; and remote charging functions using a mobile device or usinga service provider account.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a method for providing andaccessing membership accounts via a mobile device. The method includessending a member identification request to a mobile device upon themobile device being detected by a network. If a member identification isstored in a memory of the mobile device, the mobile device generates andsends a member identification response including the memberidentification. Upon receipt of the member identification, the memberidentification is authenticated and the mobile device user is authorizedto access a membership account associated with the memberidentification. It however, no member identification is stored in thememory of the mobile device, the mobile device generates and sends a newmember identification request requesting that a new memberidentification be issued for the requesting customer. Upon receipt ofthe new member identification request, a new member identification isgenerated and sent to the mobile device for storage in the mobile devicememory. The mobile device user is then authorized to access a membershipaccount associated with the new member identification.

In one embodiment of the aforementioned method the network is an IEEE802.11x wireless network. In another embodiment the network is a shortrange wireless communications network.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for redeemingcoupons via a mobile device. The method includes initiating atransaction between a mobile device and a check-out terminal; receivinga coupon at a check-out terminal from the mobile device; authenticatingthe coupon; applying the discount associated with the coupon uponauthentication; and completing the transaction.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for providing anitem map on a mobile device. The method includes receiving a request tomap at least one item from a mobile device; retrieving map informationassociated with the item(s); and sending the map information to themobile device.

In one embodiment of the aforementioned method, the map informationincludes a base map and a data point for the item(s). In anotherembodiment, the map information is a custom map with a positionestablished for the item(s). In yet another embodiment, the mapinformation includes directions to the item(s). The directions can begenerated from a present location of a user of the mobile device. Instill another embodiment, the map information includes a map version ofa map stored in a memory of the mobile device. In one embodiment theitem(s) is acquired from an item list and in another embodiment the itemis acquired in an item search request received from the device.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for providing itemsearch functions on a mobile device. The method includes receiving asearch request for an item from a mobile device at an inventory server;determining the availability of the item; and sending an availabilitystatus of the item to the mobile device.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned method further includes retrievingmap information from a map database if the item is available and sendingthe map information to the mobile device.

In another embodiment, the aforementioned method further includesdetermining alternative item information for the item if the item is notavailable and sending the alternative item information to the mobiledevice.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for charging aremote account for goods and services. The method includes establishinga connection between a remote account provider and a transactioninterface to facilitate a remote charging transaction; receiving acustomer identification at the remote account provider; authorizing thecustomer identification, if the customer identification corresponds to aremote account authorized to accept remote charging transaction charges;receiving a charge request including charge details for a transactionbetween a customer and the transaction interface; charging the remoteaccount according to the charge details; and sending a charge responseto the transaction interface identifying the success or failure of thecharge request.

In one embodiment of the aforementioned method, the remote accountprovider is a wireless service provider and the remote account is awireless service account.

In another embodiment of the aforementioned method, the transactioninterface is a check-out terminal. In another embodiment the transactioninterface is a web check-out interface.

In yet another embodiment of the aforementioned method, the customeridentification is assigned to the customer by the remote accountprovider. In another embodiment, the customer identification is atelephone number. In yet another embodiment the customer identificationis chosen by the customer. In still another embodiment the customeridentification is assigned to the customer by a membership program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communicationsnetwork in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating various components of anexemplary mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating various components of anexemplary network system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a message flow diagram illustrating a new membershipregistration process in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a message flow diagram illustrating a current member sign-inprocess in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a message flow diagram illustrating a coupon redemptionprocess in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary store map in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a message flow diagram illustrating a map list process inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a message flow diagram illustrating a product search processin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a message flow diagram illustrating a process forautomatically providing sale information for a specified list of itemsin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a message flow diagram illustrating a process forautomatically recommending alternative items based upon itemavailability and/or current sale data in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a message flow diagram illustrating a remote charging processin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile device on which anitem list is displayed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile device on which aproduct map is displayed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile device on which aproduct search is displayed in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merelyexemplary examples of the invention that may be embodied in various andalternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word“exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as anillustration, specimen, model or pattern. The figures are notnecessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimizedto show details of particular components. In other instances, well-knowncomponents, systems, materials or methods have not been described indetail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals represent likeelements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a block diagramillustrating an exemplary communications network 100 in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated communicationsnetwork 100 includes a mobile device 102 that is in communication with aservice provider network 104 and a store network 106. The mobile device102 can be a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, asmart phone, a messaging device, a mobile game device, any combinationthereof and the like. The illustrated embodiment assumes that the mobiledevice 102 is capable of communication with a wireless service provider(e.g., service provider 104) via a GSM (Global System for Mobilecommunications) and/or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System)link 107.

Although applicable to any existing or yet to be developed wirelesstelecommunications network, aspects of the disclosed architecture can beimplemented using GSM that uses general packet radio service (GPRS) asan enabling bearer. Examples of other suitable wireless and radiofrequency data transmission systems include networks utilizing frequencydivision multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA),code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), orthogonalfrequency division multiplexing (OFDM), and various other 2.5G, 3G(third generation) and further generation wireless communicationssystems. Examples of other suitable enabling bearers include UMTS,enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), high speed downlinkpacket access (HSDPA), high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), highspeed OFDM packet access (HSOPA), evolution data optimized (EVDO), andsimilar communications protocols.

The service provider network 104 can provide various telecommunicationsservices including but not limited to wireless voice service and dataservice (e.g., Internet access, email, and messaging). These servicescan be provided in prepaid or postpaid service plans. A prepaid planallows a customer to pay for services prior to using them. After thecustomer has used the prepaid amount of voice minutes, data transfer(e.g., per kilobyte), or messages (e.g., text messages or multimediamessages), the customer is unable to use further services prior toreplenishing the account. A postpaid plan, however, allows a customer tosubscribe to a service plan at a fixed cost for a specified amount ofvoice minutes, data transfer, and/or messages, and is due at a specifiedinterval (e.g., monthly). Should the customer exceed the specifiedamount of voice minutes, data transfer, and/or messages the customer ischarged an overage fee for service levels exceeding those specified inthe service plan. Postpaid customers are also typically provided add-onoptions for data, messages, or special services. As will be describedherein, various aspects of the present invention can be tracked by aservice provider and charged to a customer as a special service that mayor may not entail additional cost. The service provider network 104 caninclude appropriate billing systems and supporting systems andsubsystems (not shown) to enable proper tracking and billing forservices rendered to customers.

The illustrated store network 106 includes a local area network (LAN)108 that provides wireline network communications among various storenetwork components and customer devices, such as a customer mobiledevice 102. A wireless LAN (WLAN) 110 is also provided for IEEE 802.11xwireless communications among the store network components and/or thecustomer mobile device 102. Although illustrated as separate elements,the LAN 108 will often be referred to as combining both the wireline LANand wireless LAN components.

The LAN 108 provides access to a wide area network (WAN) 116 via arouter 114. The WAN 116 can be a corporate or private WAN. The WAN 116is in communication with one or more vendor databases 118 and corporatedatabases 120. The vendor database(s) 118 can be configured to store andmanage vendor information, such as vendor name, address, telephonenumber, email, contact names, vendor account numbers, customer accountnumbers, and the like. The corporate database(s) 120 can be configuredto store and manage corporate data, such as store data, associate data,accounting data, and the like. The WAN 116 is also in communication withother networks 121. Other networks 121 can include the Internet, anintranet, and an extranet.

The illustrated store network 106 includes an access point 122 that isin communication with the mobile device 102 via a short rangecommunications medium 124, such as, but not limited to, BLUETOOTH, RFID,IR, IRDA, near-field communications (NFC), other RF communications,other line of sight communications, and the like. An access point 122can be in communication with the mobile device 102 to provide membershipaccount access, digital coupons, store maps, product information, andthe like to a customer. An access point 122 can also be configured for802.11x connectivity in support of the WLAN 110 to increase connectionstrength and range. An access point 122 can be in communication with acheck-out terminal 124 via the LAN 108, wirelessly via the WLAN 110, orvia a short range communications medium to allow communication betweenthe mobile device 102 and the check-out terminal 124. An access point122 can be built-in to the check-out terminal 124.

The check-out terminal 124 can provide typical check-out functions, suchas scanning items, weighing items, calculating item totals, calculatingpretax cost, calculating post tax cost, calculating money saved, andverifying coupons. Multiple access points can be installed throughoutthe store network 106 to provide various functions as described hereinbelow.

The illustrated store network 106 also includes an accounting system126, a map database 128, an inventory server 130, a sales database 132,a membership database 134, and a policy database 136. While otherelements are possible and are in fact, contemplated, they are notillustrated in order to simplify the description of FIG. 1.

The accounting system 126 provides accounting services for the storenetwork 106. Accounting services can include, for example, establishingperiodic (e.g., daily, monthly, yearly) sales goals, managing storeincome and store expenses, managing payroll (if delegated at the storelevel), managing tills, and other accounting services.

The map database 128 cant be configured to store and manage store maps.A store map can be updated for promotions, store layout changes, end capchanges, sales, and the like, and stored in the map database 128. Themap database 128 can store any number of maps. For example, multipleversions of a base store map can be generated and stored. The corporatedatabase 120 can provide base maps, updated maps, and/or base mapupdates for a particular store based on the store location, currentsales, promotions, etc.

The inventory server 130 can be configured to store and manage inventorystatus for the store. As items are purchased, the inventory status isupdated. Low stock items can be reordered as necessary. The inventorydatabase can also provide real-time or near real-time inventory statusfor a plurality of items searchable via the mobile device 102. Anexemplary search process is illustrated in FIG. 9.

The sales database 132 can be configured to store and manage sale items,promotions, store coupons, and eligible manufacture coupons for thestore. The sales database 132 can be updated periodically by thecorporate database 120, or manually by a store associate.

The membership database 134 can be configured to store and manage storemembership program information for store members. Memberships can bestore specific, franchise specific, chain specific, city specific, statespecific, region specific, or customer specific, for example.Memberships can be provided free or for a cost specified by the storeowner. The corporate database 120 can provide membership accessspecifications on a per customer basis. This information can be updatedin the local membership database 134 for each applicable store.

The policy database 136 can be configured to store and manage membershippolicies for each customer. Policies can be global, group specific,store specific, franchise specific, chain specific, city specific, statespecific, region specific, or customer specific, for example.

A sensor network 138 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the sensornetwork 138 is designed to be integrated into the store shelves andother item displays. When a customer removes an item from a shelf, asensor is triggered to notify the inventory server 130 that an item hasbeen removed. The inventory server 130 can maintain a status for itemsthat have been removed from a shelf. This can provide associates withinformation regarding which items need to be restocked even prior to theitems actually being sold. Further, items that are incorrectly placed ona shelf can be flagged and reported to the inventory server 130 and theitem can be appropriately shelved.

The inventory server 130 can also communicate with the membershipdatabase 134 to build a pre-checkout list corresponding to the itemsremoved from the shelves by a particular customer. It is contemplatedthat the customer's mobile device 102 can be in communication with theserver network 138 to establish that a particular item has been removed.When the customer desires to check-out, any pre-checkout list can besent to the check-out terminal 124 and the items can be purchased.

The sensor network 138 can also include sensors configured in theshopping carts and shopping baskets in the store. These sensors can bestand-alone and any item movement can be recorded as entering andexiting the shopping cart/basket and updated in the inventory serverand/or maintained in a pre-checkout list. These sensors can also becoupled with those installed in the store shelves and other itemdisplays to confirm that an item removed from a shelf has been placed inthe position of a customer and that the customer, at least for the timebeing, desires to purchase the item. Accordingly, a pre-checkout listcan be generated for items placed in the shopping cart/basket.

The sensor network 138 can include radio frequency identification (RFID)sensors, such as RFID readers to read REID tags attached to items. Thesensor network 138 can alternatively include bar code scanner, nearfield communications (NFC), BLUETOOTH receivers and transmitters,scales, and the like to coordinate the status of items throughout thestore.

Although a single store network 106 is illustrated, it is contemplatedthat a group of stores, for example, a franchise or a chain, can beinterconnected via the illustrated WAN 116.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram illustrating various componentsof an exemplary mobile device 102 is shown, according to the presentinvention. Although no connections are shown between the componentsillustrated and described in FIG. 2, the components can interact witheach other to carry out device functions.

As illustrated, the mobile device 102 can be a multi-mode handset. FIG.2 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, generaldescription of a suitable environment in which the various aspects of anembodiment of the present invention can be implemented. While thedescription includes a general context of computer-executableinstructions, the present invention can also be implemented incombination with other program modules and/or as a combination ofhardware and software. Particular processes carried out by the mobiledevice 102 and components in communication with the mobile device 102are described in greater detail with reference to the remaining figuresdescribed herein. These processes can be carried out via applicationsstored within a memory on the mobile device 102.

Generally, applications can include routines, program modules, programs,components, data structures, and the like. Applications can beimplemented on various system configurations, including single-processoror multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based,programmable consumer electronics, combinations thereof, and the like.

The device 102 includes a display 200 for displaying multimedia such as,for example, text, images, video, telephony functions, visual voicemaildata, caller line ID data, setup functions, menus, music metadata,messages, wallpaper, graphics, store map data, item lists, and the like.The device 102 also includes a processor 202 for controlling and/orprocessing data. A memory 204 can interface with the processor 202 forthe storage of data and/or applications 206. The memory 204 can includea variety of computer readable media including, but not limited to,volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removablemedia. Computer-readable media can include device storage media andcommunication media. Storage media can include volatile and/ornon-volatile, removable and/or non-removable media such as, for example,RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD,or other optical disk storage, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage,other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used tostore the desired information and that can be accessed by the device102.

The memory 204 can be configured to store one or more applications 206,such as, for example, store-specific software, map software, listsoftware, coupon redemption software, video player software, userfeedback component software (e.g., courtesy feedback, complaintfeedback, product reviews/comments), combinations thereof, and the like.The applications 206 can also include a user interface (UI) application208. The UI application 208 can interface with a client 210 (e.g., anoperating system) to facilitate user interaction with devicefunctionality and data, for example, answering/initiating calls,entering/deleting data, configuring settings, address book manipulation,multi-mode interaction, map interaction, search interaction, and thelike. The applications 206 can include other applications 212 such as,for example, visual voicemail software, add-ons, plug-ins, voicerecognition software, call voice processing, voice recording, messaging,e-mail processing, video processing, image processing, music play,combinations thereof, and the like, as well as subsystems and/orcomponents. The applications 206 can be stored in the memory 204 and/orin a firmware 214, and can be executed by the processor 202. Thefirmware 214 can also store code for execution during initialization ofthe device 102.

A communications component 216 can interface with the processor 202 tofacilitate wired/wireless communications with external systemsincluding, for example, cellular networks, VoIP networks, LAN, WAN, MAN,PAN, that can be implemented using WIFI, WIMAX, combinations and/orimprovements thereof, and the like. The communications component 216 canalso include a multi-mode communications subsystem for providingcellular communications via different cellular technologies. Forexample, a first cellular transceiver 218 can operate in one mode, forexample, GSM, and an Nth transceiver 220 can operate in a differentmode, for example WIFI. While only two transceivers 218, 220 areillustrated, it should be appreciated that a plurality of transceiverscan be included. The communications component 216 can also include atransceiver 222 for unlicensed RF communications using technology suchas, for example, WIFI, WIMAX, near-field communications (NFC), other RFand the like. The transceiver 222 can also be configured forline-of-sight technologies, such as, infrared and IRDA, for example.Although a single transceiver 222 is illustrated, multiple transceiversfor unlicensed RF and line-of-sight technologies are contemplated.

The communications component 216 can also facilitate communicationsreception from terrestrial radio networks, digital satellite radionetworks, Internet-based radio services networks, combinations thereof,and the like. The communications component 216 can process data from anetwork, such as, for example, the Internet, a corporate WAN, anintranet, a home broadband network, and the like, via an ISP, DSLprovider, or other broadband service provider.

An input/output (I/O) interface 224 can be provided for input/output ofdata and/or signals. The I/O interface 224 can be a hardwire connection,such as, for example, a USB, PS2, IEEE 1394, serial, parallel, IEEE802.3 (e.g., Ethernet-RJ45, RJ48), traditional telephone jack (e.g.,RJ11, RJ14, RJ25) and the like, and can accept other I/O devices, suchas, for example, a keyboard, keypad, mouse, interface tether, styluspen, printer, plotter, jump/thumb drive, touch screen, touch pad,trackball, joy stick, controller, monitor, display, LCD, combinationsthereof, and the like.

Audio capabilities can be provided by an audio I/O component 226 thatcan include a speaker (not shown) for the output of audio signals and amicrophone (not shown) to collect audio signals.

The device 102 can include a slot interface 228 for accommodating asubscriber identity system 230, such as, for example, a SIM or universalSIM (USIM). The subscriber identity system 230 instead can bemanufactured into the device 102, thereby obviating the need for a slotinterface 228.

The device 102 can include an image capture and processing system 232.Photos and/or videos can be obtained via an associated image capturesubsystem of the image system 232, for example, a camera. The device 102can also include a video systems component 234 for processing,recording, and/or transmitting video content.

A location component 236 can be included to send and/or receive signals,such as, for example, GPS data, assisted GPS data, triangulation data,combinations thereof, and the like. The device 102 can use the receiveddata to identify its location or can transmit data used by other devicesto determine the device 102 location. For example, when a customerenters a store with the mobile device 102, the location component 236can communicate with various sensors within the store to determine thecustomer's position. The customer's position can then be displayed in oron a map on the display 200.

The device 102 can include a power source 238 such as batteries and/orother power subsystem (AC or DC). The power source 238 can besingle-use, continuous, or rechargeable. In the case of the latter, thepower source 238 can interface with an external power system or chargingequipment via a power I/O component 240.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram illustrating various componentsof an exemplary network system 300 is shown, according to the presentinvention. Although no connections are shown between the componentsillustrated and described in FIG. 3, the components can interact witheach other to carry out network system functions. The network system 300is intended to be exemplary of any of the systems, servers, databases,and devices described previously with reference to FIG. 1.

The illustrated network system 300 includes a processor 302 forcontrolling and/or processing data. A memory 304 interfaces with theprocessor 302 for the storage of data and/or applications. The memory304 can include a variety of computer readable media including but notlimited to volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, andnon-removable media. Computer-readable media can include device storagemedia and communication media. Storage media can include volatile and/ornon-volatile, removable and/or non-removable media such as, for example,RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD,or other optical disk storage, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage,other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used tostore the desired information and that can be accessed by the networksystem 300.

The illustrated network system 300 also includes an I/O interface 306.The I/O interface 306 can be provided for input/output of data and/orsignals. The I/O interface 306 can be a hardwire connection, such as,for example, a USB, PS2, IEEE 1394, serial, parallel, IEEE 802.3 (e.g.,Ethernet-RJ45, RJ48), traditional telephone jack (e.g., RJ11, RJ14,RJ25) and the like, and can accept other I/O devices, such as, forexample, a bar code scantier, a scale, a keyboard, keypad, mouse,interface tether, stylus pen, printer, plotter, jump/thumb drive, touchscreen, touch pad, trackball, joy stick, controller, monitor, display,LCD, combinations thereof, and the like. The I/O interface 306 can alsoprovide transceiver functionality for wireless devices via short rangecommunications and/or IEEE 802.11x.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a message flow diagram illustrating a newmembership registration process 400 in accordance with the presentinvention is shown. It should be understood that the illustratedprocesses are not limited to the steps shown nor the order of the stepsshown and are provided solely as a basis for teaching an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, amendments to thismethod and/or the addition, elimination, or combination of one or moresteps may be made to achieve like results and still be within the scopeof the present invention.

The following processes can be implemented as a computer applicationthat includes routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. thatperform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.Moreover, the inventive processes can be practiced with processor andmemory configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessorsystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The new membership process 400 enables a customer to establish amembership account with a store via a mobile device 102. The newmembership registration process 400 begins when the mobile device 102interacts with an access point 122. The access point 122 can provideconnectivity via wireline or wireless communication mediums via 802.11xor a short communications medium as described above. In one embodiment,the mobile device 102 is connected to the access point 122 via a USB,IEEE 1394, Ethernet, or other wireline connection directly, or via acradle apparatus. In another embodiment, the mobile device 102 is incommunication with the access point 122 wirelessly via a short rangecommunications medium or via 802.11x. In either case, the access point122 can generate and send a membership_ID_request message 402 to themobile device 102. The membership_ID_request message 402 can prompt thecustomer to enter a member ID to access the store network 106 and thecustomer's membership account. In implementations that require security,a password, PIN, token, pass phrase, voice recognition, fingerprintrecognition, retinal scan, security question(s), combinations thereof,and/or other security mechanisms known in the art can be used to limitaccess to authorized customers.

In the illustrated process 400, the customer does not have amembership_ID and accordingly can select a new membership buttonpresented with the prompt. When a new_membership button is selected, anew_membership_request 404 can be generated and sent to the access point122 to request a new membership account for the customer. The customercan be required to enter any combination of identifying informationincluding, but not limited to name, address, telephone number, emailaddress, date of birth, social security number, security questionanswer, and customer-created password. Any combination of theaforementioned identifying information can be appended to thenew_membership_request 404 to aid in establishing a new membershipaccount for the specified customer. Security measures may be enacted ata store network 106, a mobile device 102, or both to prevent theft of auser's personal information or requests for personal information fromunauthorized users. The new_membership_request 404 is received at theaccess point 122 and forwarded to the membership database 134 via theLAN 108 or WLAN 110 (not shown).

Upon receipt of a new_membership_request 404 at the membership database134, a member ID is generated for the customer at step 406. In oneembodiment, a member ID is generated from a portion of the suppliedidentifying information. In another embodiment, a member ID is generatedfor the member randomly, pseudo-randomly, or based on predefined list ofmember IDs. A member ID can also be selected by a customer and approvedof prior to entry in the membership database 134. Although notillustrated, the membership database 134 can communicate with thecorporate database 120 to manage a corporate level membership database.

After the member ID is generated at step 406, the membership database134 can generate a new_member_ID message 408 and send the new_member_IDmessage 408 to the mobile device 102. The customer is now capable ofsigning in as a returning member with the newly acquired member ID. Amessage flow diagram illustrating a current member sign-in process 500is shown FIG. 5.

In an optional step, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, themembership database 134 can automatically generate and send amembership_sales_request message 410 to the sales database 132. Amembership_sales_request message 410 can request any sales informationcurrently available that is applicable for the customer. For example,available sales information can include daily, weekly, monthly, yearly,seasonal, holiday, promotional, individual store sales, clearance, redtag, member specific, member group specific, membership level specificsales information, and the like. The sales database 132 can generate andsend a membership_sale_information message 412 to the mobile device 102.The membership_sale_information message 412 can include the applicablesale information for the new member.

A membership account can be device agnostic or can be associated withone or more devices. For example, a customer may have multiple mobiledevices each of which require membership access. Accordingly, thecustomer can provide specific device information for the devicesauthorized to access the customer's account if the appropriate member IDand optional security information (e.g., password) is provided. Thedevice information can be the device manufacturer, IP address, telephonenumber, device type, device model, device model version, device serialnumber, or other unique device identifier, for example. A wirelessservice subscriber can provide an IMSI (International Mobile SubscriberIdentity) or a specific TMSI (Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity) toestablish authorized access to the customer's membership account.

The customer can also designate a plurality of authorized users to thecustomer's membership account. Authorized users, such as friends orfamily, can be required to supply corresponding identifyinginformation—personal, device, or otherwise—as required by the storeand/or the customer.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a message flow diagram illustrating a currentmember sign-in process 500 is shown, according to the present invention.The current member sign-in process 500 enables a customer to sign-in toa membership account with a store via a mobile device 102. The currentmember sign-in process 500 begins when the mobile device 102 interactswith an access point 122. The access point 122 can provide connectivityvia wireline or wireless communication mediums via 802.11x or a shortcommunications medium as described above. In one embodiment, the mobiledevice 102 is connected to the access point 122 via a USB, IEEE 1394,Ethernet, or other wireline connection directly or via a cradleapparatus. In another embodiment, the mobile device 102 is in wirelesscommunication with the access point 122 via a short range communicationsmedium or via 802.11x. Regardless of how the mobile device 102communicates with the access point 122, the access point 122 cangenerate and send a membership_ID_request message 502 to the mobiledevice 102. The membership_ID_request message 502 can prompt thecustomer to enter a member ID to access the store network 106 and thecustomer's membership account. In embodiments that require security, apassword, PIN, token, pass phrase, voice recognition, fingerprintrecognition, retinal scan, security question(s), combinations thereof,and other security mechanism known in the art can be used to limitaccess to authorized customers.

In the illustrated process 500, the customer is prompted to enter amember ID and optional password. The customer can also be provided witha new membership button to create a new membership. A new membershipregistration process 400 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The customer can alsobe provided a lost membership_ID or lost password prompt to retrieve aforgotten or lost membership_ID and/or password. The customer can beemailed, called, or text messaged the lost information. In someinstances, the customer can be required to create a new membershipaccount. If a new membership account is needed, the previously describedprocess 400 can be used to establish a new account for the customer.

After a member ID and password are entered, the mobile device 102 cangenerate and send a membership_ID_response message 504 to the accesspoint 122. The membership_ID_response message 504 is received at theaccess point 122 and forwarded to the membership database 134. Themembership database 134 receives the membership_ID_response message 504and performs an ID authentication at step 506. If the authenticationstep 506 fails (not shown), a notification to this effect can be sent tothe mobile device 102 to instruct the customer to take corrective actionby reentering the correct membership_ID and optional password, orcreating a new membership account, for example. If the authenticationstep 506 is successful, the customer is signed-in and, though notrequired, the membership database 134 can automatically generate andsend a membership_sales_request message 508 to the sales database 132.The membership_sales_request message 508 can request any salesinformation currently available that is applicable to the customer. Forexample, available and applicable sales information can include daily,weekly, monthly, yearly, seasonal, holiday, promotional, individualstore sales, clearance, red tag, member specific, member group specific,and membership level specific sales information, and the like. Themembership_sales_information 510 can be sent to the mobile device 102for access by the customer.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a message flow diagram illustrating a couponredemption process 600, according to the present invention, is shown.The following description assumes that at least one digital coupon,e-coupon, promotion code, coupon code, or other electronic saleinformation has been stored in a memory 204 of the mobile device 102.This information can be acquired from the sales database 132 after amembership sign-in process 500, after a new membership registrationprocess 400, or at any time as requested by the customer or directed bythe store network 106, for example.

The coupon redemption process 600 begins when the mobile device 102sends a coupon 602 to a check-out terminal 124. The coupon can be sentusing wireline or wireless communication mediums via 802.11x, or a shortcommunications medium as described above. In one embodiment, the mobiledevice 102 is connected to the check-out terminal 124 via a USB, IEEE1394, Ethernet, or other wireline connection directly, or via a cradleapparatus. In another embodiment, the mobile device 102 is incommunication with the check-out terminal 124 wireless via a short rangecommunications medium or via 802.11x. Regardless of how the mobiledevice 102 and the check-out terminal 124 communicates, the check-outterminal 124 generates and sends an authentication_request message 604to the sales database 132 to confirm and authenticate (606) the coupon.If the authentication step 606 fails (not shown), a notification to thiseffect can be sent to the mobile device 102 to notify the customer ofthe defective coupon. For example, the coupon may be expired or theincorrect item(s) were selected. If the authentication step 606 issuccessful, the sales database 132 can generate and send anauthorization_response message 608 to the check-out terminal 124indicating a successful authorization. The check-out terminal 124 canreceive the authorization_response message 608 and can apply the coupondiscount at step 610. The transaction is then performed at step 612. Thecheck-out terminal 124 can generate and send an inventory_update_requestmessage 614 to the inventory server 130. The inventory_update_requestmessage 614 can include each item sold during the transaction. Theinventory server 130 can update the inventory at step 616 and provideconfirmation of a successful/failed update request in aninventory_update_response message 618 that is sent to the check-outterminal 124. Although illustrated as a message that is sent after eachtransaction, the check-out terminal 124 can send theinventory_update_request message 614 after each till exchange or cashierchange to monitor associate performance, or on a periodic basis such ashourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a diagram illustrating an exemplary store map700 is shown. The store map 700 can be displayed on a mobile devicedisplay 200 to provide a store map view of various items on a customer'sshopping list, or inquired about through a search function, for example.The store map view can also provide the customer's present locationusing location sensors distributed throughout the store. The illustratedstore map 700 is for a grocery store and, as such, includes variousdepartments common in a grocery store including a dairy department, ameat department, a seafood department, a receiving department, a producedepartment, a bakery department, and a deli department. The illustratedstore map 700 also includes eight aisles for other goods sold in thestore. It should be understood that the present invention is equallyapplicable to stores of other types including, but not limited to,electronics stores, department stores, book stores, pet stores,warehouse stores, tool stores, home improvement stores, car dealerships,video stores, video game stores, entertainment stores, spoils equipmentstores, clothing stores, specialty stores, and the like. The presentinvention is also applicable to museums, amusement parks, aquariums,zoos, monuments, art galleries, libraries, other consumer attractions,and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a message flow diagram illustrating a map listprocess 800, according to the present invention, is shown. The map listprocess 800 allows a user/customer to generate a shopping list on a usercomputer 802, and send the shopping list to a mobile device 102. Theshopping list can be used at a store to retrieve map information for thestore. The map information can include notations of where each item inthe customer's list is located, and the customer's current locationwithin the store. The list can be store specific or can include keywordsthat identify particular products by manufacturer and/or product type.

It is contemplated that the list can be created in a word processingprogram on the user computer 802, or can be created using a programspecific to such a task. The mobile device 102 can include a program forviewing the list, editing a list, creating a list, and using the list tocreate a map of a store. The list can be created and saved with fileextensions compatible with a store mapping system, and may not need tobe further formatted by a user computer program or mobile deviceprogram. That is, an unformatted word processing file can be received asan input to a store mapping system, and the mapping system can create amap from the items listed in the file.

The illustrated map list process 800 begins at the user computer 802when a user creates a list on user computer 802, at step 804. The listcan be sent to the mobile device 102 in a send_list message 806. Thelist can be stored in a mobile device memory 204 at step 808. Uponentering a store premises, the mobile device 102 establishes aconnection with the store network 106, at step 810. The followingassumes the customer has signed in to a membership account associatedwith the customer or created a membership account. The membershipaccount can be subject to policies that allow the customer access to mapfunctions, and prevent other members from accessing this function. Themobile device 102 transmits the stored list to the inventory server 130in a send_list message 812. The inventory server 130 receives thesend_list message 812 and can optionally determine the available itemsfrom the list, at step 814, by communications with the store network 106devices (not illustrated). This can ensure that only in-stock items willbe mapped so as not to mislead the customer. This step can beeliminated. A map_request message 816 can be generated and sent to themap database 128.

The map database 128, as described above, can include a plurality ofmaps for the store based on different store configurations. Uponreceiving a map_request message 816, the map database 128 determines theappropriate map for the current store state. For examples a map can belabeled for use between certain dates and set to expire on or after adate. In addition, the map database 128 can generate a customized mapfor the available items and save the customized map as an image file,for example) prior to sending a map_response message 818 to the mobiledevice 102 with the customized map. In the illustrated embodiment, themobile device 102 has image viewing capabilities and needs no additionalprogram. In some alternative embodiments, the map database 128 cangenerate instructions based on the available items for use by a programinstalled on the mobile device 102. The mobile device processor 202 canexecute the instructions to create a map for the available items. Thoughgenerating maps at a mobile device 102 may place further strain on themobile device 102, it may reduce network congestion on the store network106, and reduce the need for powerful processing requirements of the mapdatabase 128 and any associated systems/servers. In other alternativeembodiments, the map database 128 can send a base map to a mobile device102 upon registration of the mobile device 102 with the store network106. This can also be accomplished by the map database 128 sending aversion number of the current base map to the mobile device 102. Themobile device 102 can determine if the appropriate map is stored inmemory 204. The map database 128 can also send a request for the versionnumber of the current base map stored in the memory 204. If the versionnumber is outdated, the map database 128 can send the current base mapversion to the mobile device 102 for storage in the memory 204. Themobile device 102 can be configured to create a map based on the list ora revised list based on the available items as determined by theinventory server 130.

Turning again to the illustrated process 800, the map database 128 cangenerate and send the map_response message 818 including the new map tothe mobile device 102. The mobile device 102 can then access the map atstep 820.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a message flow diagram illustrating a productsearch process 900, according to the present invention, is shown. Theproduct search process 900 provides an item search function to acustomer via a mobile device 102. The item search function allows acustomer to search for items and request the item to be mapped orinstructions provided on where to locate the item. The illustratedproduct search process 900 begins when the mobile device 102 establishesa connection with the WLAN 110 at step 902. The following assumes thecustomer has signed in to a membership account associated with thecustomer or created a membership account. The membership account can besubject to policies that allow the customer access to map functions, andprevent other members from accessing this function.

The mobile device 102 can initiate a search function at step 904 uponrequest by the customer. Upon initiation a search function, the customercan be prompted to enter a search string. The search string can beentered and the mobile device 102 generates and sends a search_requestmessage 906 to the inventory server 130. The search_request message 906can include the search string. The inventory server 130 can receive thesearch_request message 906 and determine if the requested item isavailable at step 908. If the item is not available, the inventoryserver 130 can generate a notification message to this effect and sendthe notification message to the mobile device 102 to notify the customerof the item status (not shown). If the item is available, the inventorydatabase 130 can generate a map_request message 910, including therequested available item, and send the map_request message 910 to themap database 128. The map database 128 can receive the map_requestmessage 910 and provide a map with the requested item and/orinstructions for where to find the item in the store in a map_responsemessage 912 sent to the mobile device 102. The mobile device 102 canthen provide map access to the customer at step 914. Other methods forobtaining map information for the requested item on the mobile device102 are contemplated for this process as well, as described above withreference to FIG. 8, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a message flow diagram illustrating a process1000 for automatically providing sale information for a specified listof items, according to the present invention, is shown. The followingdescription assumes that a list of items has been generated and iscurrently stored in a mobile device memory 204. The mobile device 102establishes a connection with the WLAN 110, at step 1002. Alternatively,the mobile device 102 can connect to an access point 122 via 802.11x, ashort range wireless communications medium, a wired connection, or acradle connection, for example. Upon establishment of the connection,the mobile device 102 can send a send_list message 1004 to the inventoryserver 130. The send_list message 1004 includes the list of items forwhich the customer is requesting further information. It is contemplatedthat the mobile device 102 can include a program to facilitate acustomer request for map information for an item map and/or a requestfor sale information current for the listed items. As an alternative toa customer request for sale information, the illustrated process 1002can automatically request sale information for the available items onthe customer's list.

Upon receipt of the send_list message 1004, the inventory server 130determines the available items at step 1006. A revised list of availableitems is sent to the sales database 132 in a sales_request message 1008.The sales database 132 receives the sales_request message 1008 andsearches for sales matching the requested items. A sales_responsemessage 1010 is then generated, including an indication of no saleinformation, or the current sale information for the requested items.The sales_response message 1010 is then sent to the inventory server 130and forwarded to the mobile device 102.

As an optional step, the inventory server 130 can generate a map_requestmessage 1012 for all the listed items or a portion thereof, for example,the items that include sale information. The map_request message 1012can be sent to the map database 128 to retrieve map information for therequested items. The map database 128 can provide the requested mapinformation in a map_response message 1014 in any format as describedabove.

The inventory server 130 can append sales information upon receipt ofthe sales_response message 1010 at step 1016, and can generate antupdated_map_response message 1018 that is sent to the mobile device 102to inform the customer of the listed items that are on sale. It iscontemplated that the customer's list can be updated with an indicationon the device display 200 of the sale item as well as the sale price,any restrictions, and any combinable offers such as available coupons,for example. The customer can then access the map information at step1020.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a message flow diagram illustrating a process1100 for automatically recommending alternative items based upon itemavailability and/or current sale data, according to the presentinvention, is shown. The process 1100 begins when the mobile device 102establishes a connection with the WLAN 110 at step 1102. Otherconnections as described above are also applicable. The mobile device102 generates a send_list message 1104 that is sent to the inventoryserver 130. The inventory server 130 receives the send_list message1104, extracts the customer's item list, and determines the availableitems, at step 1106. In some instances, one or more items will beunavailable and the inventory server 130 can determine if any items areavailable as suitable replacements for the requested item. Suitablereplacements can be store brands or other lower cost alternatives, andother brands that are in stock to replace a requested brand item that isnot in stock. These alternative items are determined at step 1108.

As an optional step, the inventory server 130 can generate asales_request message 1110, and send the sales_request message 1110 tothe sales database 132 to retrieve any sales information for therequested item(s). This can provide assurance to the customer that thesuggested items are the most economical solution for the requested item.Items currently on sale via store sales, coupons, promotions,combinations thereof, and the like, can be determined at the salesdatabase 132 for the requested items and sent back to the inventoryserver 130 in a sales_response message 1112. Any appropriate map canalso be sent.

The inventory server 130 can include software to analyze thesales_response 1112 and generate suggestions based on the salesinformation provided by the sales database 132 at step 1114. Theinventory server 130 can send the suggestions to the mobile device 102in a suggestions message 1116. The suggestions message 1116 can be atext message notifying the customer of potential benefits (e.g., lowercost) for purchasing a suggested item over the item on the customer'slist, for example. The suggestions message 1116 can also be used tomanipulate the customer's list on the mobile device 102 to display theitems originally listed by the customer, the store's suggestions, andany applicable coupons, coupon codes, promotion codes, or otherinformation the customer would need to purchase the suggested items forthe price offered.

Store suggestions can also be provided for related or similar items thatare on a list but not co-located within the store. For example, onebrand of an item may require refrigeration while all other brands do notrequire refrigeration. Accordingly, two locations offering similar itemscan be presented to the user for the user to select which location andwhich item the user would like to purchase. This selection can be usedto generate an appropriate map including the selected location and mayprovide directions on where to find the item based upon the userspresent location within the store.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a message flow diagram illustrating a remotecharging process 1200, according to the present invention, is shown.Remote charging allows a customer to charge purchases to a remoteaccount such as, but not limited to, a wireless service account or anyother account. In the illustrated example, the service provider network104 is shown generically as a network cloud for purposes of simplicity.It should be understood, however, that the service provider network 104includes billing systems required for billing postpaid customers andreceiving pre-payment from prepaid customers for services rendered bythe service provider.

In the illustrated example, remote charging allows a customer to chargeitems to the wireless account for payment at the end of a billing cycle.Limits can be imposed on the customer's wireless account and thecustomer can be required to pay a charge balance in full at the end ofeach billing period along with any wireless service charges for thebilling period. Alternatively, the wireless service provider can providea credit line to the customer based on credit contracts developedbetween the parties.

Points systems can also be implemented. For example, a customer can earnpoints for using the remote charging feature. The points can beredeemable for discounts, gift certificates, plane tickets, hotel rooms,car rentals, vacations, cruises, or other goods and services. In anotherexample, a customer can purchase points that can be redeemed at brickand mortar or online stores. In this example, the store would offerpoint requirements for goods and services. A transaction involvingpoints can be handled in a manner similar to that described andillustrated in FIG. 12.

A remote charging feature using a points system is particularlyapplicable to a scenario in which a family has a joint service plan, forexample, with one or more children. Each child can be assigned anallowance as a one-time allocation of points or on a periodic (e.g.,daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) basis. The child can then purchase itemsup to the available amount of points using a mobile device 102 at acheck-out terminal 124.

An exemplary remote charging process 1200 is now described. The process1200 begins when a customer approaches a check-out terminal 124. Thecheck-out terminal 124 can be a self-checkout terminal or a check-outterminal operated by an associate. The check-out terminal 124 scansitems at step 1202. The mobile device 102 can establish a connectionwith the check-out terminal 124 before, during, or after the items arescanned at step 1204. Once the connection is established, the mobiledevice 102 can transfer any digital coupons, e-coupons, coupon codes,promotion codes, or other sale information to the check-out terminal viaa communications link established between the mobile device 102 and thecheck-out terminal 124 at step 1206. It is contemplated that the mobiledevice 102 can be configured to display the bar code, or other scannableformat, of a coupon on the mobile device display 200 to be scanned bythe scanning equipment for the check-out terminal 124. The mobile device102 can communicate with the check-out terminal 124 via a direct wiredconnection, a cradle apparatus, or wirelessly through any short rangewireless communications medium or 802.11x.

The check-out terminal 124 can present the customer with options on howto pay for the scanned items. For example, the customer can choose cash,credit card, debit card, check, traveler's check, gift certificate,government credit, and/or remote charge for some or all of the purchase.If the customer chooses an option other than remote charge, thetransaction is handled as is known in the art. However, if the customerchooses remote charge, the check-out terminal 124 can establish aconnection with the service provider network 104, at step 1208, toprovide a customer ID in a send_customer_ID message 1210. The customerID can be an identification provided by the service provider for thesubscriber/customer. For example, the customer ID can be a telephonenumber or other subscriber ID provided by the service provider. Thecustomer ID can also be of the customer's choosing, a member ID, or anyother identification.

Upon receipt of the send_customer_ID message 1210, the service providernetwork 104 can perform an authorization step 1212 to authorize thecustomer's account. Authorization can require a security mechanism toauthenticate the customer. For example, the security mechanism can be,but is not limited to, a PIN number, password, pass phrase, securityquestion answer, and the like. In one example, the service providernetwork 104 can send a request for this information to the check-outterminal 124. The check-out terminal 124 can then request thisinformation directly from the mobile device 102 without intervention ofthe customer. The check-out terminal 124 can alternatively request thatthe customer provide the requested information on a keypad or otherinput device connected to the check-out terminal 124. The check-outterminal 124 can also receive the requested information from the mobiledevice 102 upon entry by the customer via a keypad or other input deviceon the mobile device 102. The check-out terminal 124 can alternativelyrequire the security information to be appended to the send_customer_IDmessage 1210 prior to being sent to the service provider network 104 toreduce transmissions between the service provider network 104 and thecheck-out terminal 124. Accordingly, the check-out terminal 124 canrequest that the security information be supplied by the customer viaone of the aforementioned methods prior to generating and sending thesend_customer_ID message 1210.

The authorization step 1212 can also verify if the customer's wirelessaccount is setup for remote charging, and that the account is in goodstanding prior to finalizing the authorization. Upon properauthorization, the service provider network 104 generates and sends anauthorization_confirmation message 1214 to the check-out terminal 124.If the authorization fails, the service provider network 104 cangenerate and send a notification to this effect to the check-outterminal 124 (not illustrated). The customer can then be notifiedaccordingly.

The check-out terminal 124 can receive the authorization_confirmation1214 and generate a charge_request message 1216 based on the amount thecustomer wishes to remotely charge to a service provider account, andsend the charge_request message 1216 to the service provider network104. The service provider network 104 can route the charge to theappropriate billing system (not shown) and charge the accountappropriately at step 1218. A charge_response message 1220 can then begenerated and sent to the check-out terminal 124 to verify that thecharges were accepted. The check-out terminal 124 can then print areceipt at step 1222. The remote charging transaction is then complete.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile device 102 onwhich an item list 1300 is displayed in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention. The illustrated mobile device 102 includes adisplay 200 on which the item list 1300 is displayed. The item list 1300shows several products with Product B highlighted for selection via softkeys 1302 to engage either a Map function or a Search function. The softkeys 1302 can be programmed to engage any function or command. Themobile device 102 also includes a keypad 1304 input device fornavigation of the item list 1300 and any menus or other features on themobile device 102 that require a keypad 1304 or other input device. Asdescribed previously with reference to FIG. 2, the mobile device 102 caninclude any input mechanism and is not specifically limited to theillustrated keypad 1304. For example, the display 200 can also functionas an input device.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile device 102 onwhich a product map 1400 is displayed in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. The product map 1400 includes a map of anexample grocery store as illustrated in FIG. 7. The product map 1400 isdisplayed in response to a user selecting the Map function via the Mapsoft key shown in FIG. 13. The product location is provided by acall-out 1402 to the item location and a description of the itemlocation. The illustrated embodiment shows merely one way in which thisinformation can be displayed. It should be understood that the map andproduct location information can be displayed in any way.

It is contemplated that sensor networks, for example, sensor network 138can also be used to provide approximate or exact locations for theproducts on the map in real-time or near real-time. The customer'slocation can also be tracked and displayed on the product map 1400.

The product location information can also layout the products in orderof proximity to the customer's location such that the customer canquickly find and purchase each of the mapped items sequentially. A mapdisplaying an appropriate in-store route can also be provided. Forexample, a map can be generated to include each item on a specified listand include a route providing the most efficient way to find the listeditems. As each item is found, the user can manually confirm that theitem was found. The item can be removed from the list and/or the map, oran indication can be provided to remind the user the item has beenfound.

As a user progresses through a store and selects mapped and/or listeditems, those items can be automatically updated as found. For example, asensor network 138 can be in place to update the list and/or map upon anitem being placed in the user's shopping cart or shopping basket. Eachshopping cart or shopping basket can provide content updates to themobile device 102 to correlate shopping cart contents with a list and/ormap on the mobile device 102 and make adjustments accordingly. Theshopping cart or shopping basket can also be in communication with theinventory server 130 to temporarily adjust the stock status for theitems and can be used to generate a pre-checkout list.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile device 102 onwhich a product search 1500 is displayed in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. The product search 1500 isdisplayed in response to a user selecting the Search function via theSearch soft key shown in FIG. 13. The user can enter a search string inthe search box 1502 and select the Enter soft key to engage a searchfunction for the entered string. An exemplary search process 900 isdescribed with reference to FIG. 9.

An item list can include supplemental features such as a calculator anda priority assignment feature. The calculator can keep track of listcost based on previous prices or prices provided to the mobile device102 in real-time or near real-time in communications with the storenetwork 106. The store network 106 can supply related sales informationand recalculate the new cost and/or provide suggestions to keep costsbelow a limit. The calculator can also provide suggestions for potentialsavings in purchasing one product over another. This information can beretrieved from the store network 106.

The item list can allow a customer to assign priority for items. Theitems can be arranged in the list according to the priority set for eachitem. If a limit is set, the list can highlight the items that wouldbest utilize the funds for the set limit based on the priority set foreach item. The customer can assign a favorites tag to items.

An archive item list can also be tracked and periodically updated. Thearchive list can maintain prices, sales, coupons, and other informationfor each item placed on a customer's list in a specified time period.The customer can view recent lists, most purchased items, favoriteitems, least purchased items, items suggested by the customer, itemssuggested by the store, items suggested by a friend, items to avoid, andother item categories.

The store network 106 can also provide recipe suggestions to thecustomers. A recipe suggestion can be based on one or more items in acustomer item list and sale items, for example.

Item lists, maps, product reviews, member IDs, passwords, remote chargecustomer ID, recipes, and other information related to the presentinvention can be exchanged between mobile devices. A SIM or USIM can beconfigured to store at least a portion of this information and can betransferred to another mobile device.

Item lists can also be filtered based upon the store type a customerenters. For example, the customer can create a list including every itemthe user needs to purchase including groceries and clothing. Upon entryinto a super store that includes both groceries and clothing, the listcan be presented to the customer as created. However, if the customerenters a grocery store, for example, the items not available at thatstore can be grayed out or otherwise made unavailable to the user. Thiscan be accomplished by communication between the mobile device 102 andthe store inventory server 130, for example.

The law does not require and it is economically prohibitive toillustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims.Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplaryillustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding ofthe principles of the invention. Variations, modifications, andcombinations may be made to the above-described embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims. All such variations,modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of thisdisclosure and the following claims.

1. A method for charging a wireless service account, the methodcomprising: a billing system of a wireless service provider networkreceiving from a transaction terminal a customer identificationassociated with a wireless service account; the billing systemdetermining whether the wireless service account is authorized to becharged for payment in a transaction; if the billing system determinesthat the wireless service account is authorized to be charged forpayment in the transaction, the billing system notifying the transactionterminal that the wireless service account is authorized to be chargedfor payment in the transaction; receiving, at the billing system, acharge request from the transaction terminal, the charge requestcomprising an amount to charge the wireless service account; the billingsystem charging the wireless service account the amount identified inthe charge request.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the wirelessservice account is a postpaid wireless service account and the method isfor charging a postpaid wireless service account.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the wireless service account is a prepaid wireless serviceaccount and the method is for charging a prepaid wireless serviceaccount.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein in the billing systemcharging the wireless service in response to receiving the chargerequest comprises the billing system deducting the amount from a creditline associated with the wireless service account.
 5. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising the billing system awarding the points to thewireless service account for the wireless service account used forpayment in the transaction.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein thebilling system awarding points comprises the billing system awardingpoints redeemable for at least one of discounts, gift certificates,products, goods, services, plane tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals,vacations, cruises, and store credit.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinthe customer identification is a transacting customer identification;the wireless service account is a joint wireless service account beingassociated with a plurality of customer identifications including thetransacting customer identification; and the method further comprisesthe billing system allocating an allowance to the transacting customeridentification.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the billing systemdetermining whether the joint wireless service account is authorized tobe charged for payment in the transaction comprises the billing systemdetermining whether any allowance has been allocated to the transactingcustomer identification; and wherein the billing system notifying thetransaction terminal that the joint wireless service account isauthorized to be charged for payment in the transaction comprises thebilling system notifying the transaction terminal that the jointwireless service account is authorized to be charged for payment in thetransaction up to the allowance allocated by the billing system.
 9. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the billing system allocating the allowanceis a one-time allocation.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the billingsystem allocating the allowance is a periodic allocation.
 11. The methodof claim 7, wherein the billing system allocating the allowancecomprises the billing system allocating the allowance at the discretionof the customer.
 12. A mobile device for charging a wireless serviceaccount for payment in a transaction, the mobile device comprising: acommunications component, a processor coupled to the communicationscomponent; and a memory storing instructions executable by the processorfor establishing a connection with a transaction terminal via thecommunications component and communicating with the transaction terminalvia the communications component for completing a transaction,including: transmitting to the transaction terminal a customeridentification used by the transaction terminal to determine whether awireless service account identified by the customer identification isauthorized to be charged for payment in the transaction; receiving anotification from the transaction terminal that the wireless serviceaccount is authorized to be used for payment in the transaction; and inresponse to receiving the notification, instructing the transactionterminal to charge the wireless service account for payment in thetransaction.
 13. The mobile device of claim 12, wherein the wirelessservice account is a postpaid wireless service account and the mobiledevice charges a postpaid wireless service account.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the wireless service account is a prepaid wirelessservice account and the mobile device charges a prepaid wireless serviceaccount.
 15. A method for operating a transaction terminal to charge awireless service account for payment for a transaction, the methodcomprising: a transaction terminal receiving from a mobile device acustomer identification identifying a customer associated with awireless service account; the transaction terminal providing to abilling system of a wireless service provider network the customeridentification to determine whether the wireless service account isauthorized to be used for payment in a transaction; the transactionterminal receiving a notification from the billing system indicatingwhether the wireless service account is authorized to be used forpayment in the transaction; the transaction terminal generating a chargerequest comprising an amount to be charged to the wireless serviceaccount; and the transaction terminal transmitting the charge request tothe billing system thereby instructing the billing system to charge theamount to the wireless service account.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein the transaction terminal instructing the billing system tocharge the wireless account the amount identified in the charge requestcomprises the transaction terminal instructing the billing system todeduct the amount from a credit line associated with the wirelessservice account.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the transactionterminal instructing the billing system to charge the wireless accountthe amount identified in the charge request comprises the transactionterminal instructing the billing system to use points awarded to thewireless service account by the billing system for the wireless accountbeing used for payment for past transactions.
 18. The method of claim15, wherein the wireless service account is a postpaid wireless serviceaccount and the method is for operating a transaction terminal to chargea postpaid wireless service account.
 19. The method of claim 15, whereinthe wireless service account is a prepaid wireless service account andthe method is for a transaction terminal to charge a prepaid wirelessservice account.